Chapter 14 Questions

1) Objectivity is basically the requirement that journalists stick strictly to the facts without voicing their opinion. One way objectivity can be implemented is by journalist making sure their facts are truthful by usng correct sources even if that means more work for them. Also, journalists should learn as much as they can about their story topic as their source, or better yet even more so they can make sense of the facts. Finally, because readers tend to read more news of journalists who share their views, I think journalists should state the truthful facts but, at the end of their column or article have a chance to state what they believe or what their opinion is.

2) Thoroughness is finding the best sources and evidence to be able to give their readers the most information as possible so they can understand what is going on and be able to make educated decisons based off the information at hand. Thoroughness can be implemented by as a journalist become a real expert on what you are writing about so you know what the truth of the matter is. Also, as a journlist you need to be able to explain what you are writing about so the readers can understand the claims that are being made. Finally, you need to pick out the most important, relevant information to the story so the readers can understand what is happening.

3) Accuracy is making sure journalists give the correct information to the public so they can make informed decisions. Accuracy can be implemented by journalists constantly making sure they check their facts as well as having others proof read to look for errors they themselves may have missed. Also, journalists need to stick to the plain truth, no falsifying or misleading stories. Finally, journalists should make sure to double check their quotes, the names of people and places, and cite their sources so they do not give any misleading material.

4) Fairness is to make sure every area is covered in a story, that each side is represented accurately and extensively. Fairness can be implemented by journalists making sure they enter into every story or interview with an open mind. Also, if a reporter gets a tip about wrongdoing they need to check out if the tip is verifiable and make sure they go to the diect source of the wrongdoing, or whoever else is apparently involved. Finally, journalists should listen to those who may oppose their viewpoints because they may receive information they had never known about.

5) Transparency is the notion that journalists be as open as possible about their biases, where they get their information and sources, why they chose to report on what they did in order to gain and maintain the publics trust. Transparency can be implemented by journalists making sure they provide the names of their sources or where they got their information from. Also, they should be able to explain the importance of what they published. Finally, they shold let the readers know if they have direct knowledge of what they wrote about.